- Indian Heritage
- Culture
- Modern Indian history
- The Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence
- Indian Society
A. population and associated issues
B. poverty and developmental issues
C.urbanization
7. Geographical features
8.Indian Constitution
9. Polity
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
PM-JANMAN
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) initiative is a government program designed to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream. PM JANMAN scheme, comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, is set to be executed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, working in collaboration with State governments and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) communities… Read more at:
The scheme prioritizes 11 critical interventions overseen by 9 line Ministries. These interventions aim to implement existing schemes within villages inhabited by PVTGs, covering sectors such as safe housing (PM-AWAS Scheme), access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, education, nutrition, road and telecommunications connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities…. Read more at: https://www.studyiq.com/articles/pm-janman-scheme/
B Health
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has crossed the milestone of 30 crore Ayushman cards on 12thJanuary2024. The flagship scheme being implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) aims to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 Crore beneficiary families.
Ayushman card creation is the most fundamental activity under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and concerted efforts are being continuously made to ensure that every beneficiary under the scheme has Ayushman card. As a result of the persistent efforts, the scheme has reached the feat of 30 crore Ayushman cards created.More than 16.7 crore Ayushman cardshave been created only during the last two financial years. As on date, during 2023-24, more than 7.5 crore Ayushman cards have been created. This implies that approximately 181 Ayushman cards are created everyminute.
Ayushman card creation is included in on-spot services being offered duringViksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra launchedon 15thNovember 2023 with the intent to ensure saturation of different schemes of Government of India. This campaign has significantly helped expedite card creation at the grassroot level. More than 2.43 Cr Ayushman cards have been created during the Yatra. Further, more than 5.6 Cr Ayushman cards (launched on 17th Sep 2023) have been created during Ayushman Bhava campaign launched by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to achieve saturation of different health schemes.
C. Education
D. Human Resources
E. poverty and hunger
Food Corporation of India
The Food Corporation of India was setup under the Food Corporation’s Act 1964, in order to fulfill following objectives of the Food Policy: Effective price support operations for safeguarding the interests of the farmers, distribution of foodgrains throughout the country for public distribution system and maintaining satisfactory level of operational and buffer stocks of foodgrains to ensure national food security. Since its inception, FCI has played a significant role in India’s success in transforming the crisis management-oriented food security into a stable security system.
Ensuring Food Security for the Nation
FCI’s foremost priority is to ensure food security for the nation by effectively managing the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential commodities, thereby providing a reliable and sufficient food supply to meet the needs of the population.
- Efficient procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), storage and distribution of food grains.
- Ensuring availability of food grains and sugar through appropriate policy instrument; including maintenance of buffer stocks of food grains.
- Making food grains accessible at reasonable prices, especially to the weak errand vulnerable sections of the society under PDS.
Objective
The Food Corporation of India was setup under the Food Corporations Act, 1964 in order to fulfill following objectives of the Food Policy:
1) Effective price support operations for safeguarding the interests of the farmers.
2) Distribution of food grains throughout the country for Public Distribution System.
3) Maintaining satisfactory level of operational and buffer stocks of food grains to ensure National Food Security.
The role of FCI in India’s success in transforming the crisis management oriented food security into a stable security system.
Food Corporation of India plays a pivotal role in India’s food management system by procuring, storing, and distributing food grains efficiently and effectively, thereby contributing to the country’s food security and agricultural development.
FCI’s mission is to provide food grains and allied essential commodities at reasonable prices and with impeccable quality. We are dedicated to serving the nation by safeguarding the interests of both consumers and farmers.
Our Core Functions are:
1) Procurement: We, along with state procuring agencies procure food grains from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), ensuring fair returns to the growers and a stable food supply for the nation.
2) Storage: FCI maintains an extensive network of modern warehouses and silos to store food grains and commodities safely and efficiently.
3) Distribution: Our distribution network spans across the length and breadth of India, ensuring that food grains reach even the remotest corners.
4) Buffer Stock Management: We manage the strategic buffer stock of essential food grains to meet any unforeseen contingencies, such as droughts, floods, or other emergencies. The strength of buffer stock managing capabilities of FCI was demonstrated during the Covid pandemic and related break down of regular supply chain.
5) PDS Operations: We supply food grains to State Govt. for the Public Distribution System (PDS) to provide subsidized food grains to vulnerable sections of society.
With presence in every corner of the country, FCI’s extensive reach spans over all states and union territories. Our dedicated workforce ensures that food grains reach even the most remote areas, from the Himalayan peaks to the coastal shores.
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
E.issues
14. Technology
Face to Face with New Frontiers of Science and Technology offers an exciting opportunity to the youth of the Nation to lead India’s advancements in S&T
The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 is set for an event, “Face to Face with New Frontiers of Science and Technology” for the youth of the nation to contribute in the positioning the country as a global leader in the field of Science and Technology (S&T).The event is going to take place on 17th, 19th, and 20th January 2024 at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) campus, Faridabad (Haryana).
With science and technology continuously evolving to meet the increasing needs of people it becomes important to put focus on collaboration for knowledge expansion further contributing to the progress of the society. The theme of green technology underlines the potential for innovation, specifically in the field of engineering, agriculture, veterinary care, and health. The exciting areas, such as space exploration, green energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics spark interest among the youths. These areas develop scientific curiosity among the younger generation and drive exploration in the field of agro-technology, medicine, nanotechnology, genetics, and many more providing innovative solutions and benefits to the society.
Face to Face will give an opportunity for direct interactions among the students, researchers, and eminent personalities who are exceptionally brilliant in various fields of science and technology (S&T). The personalities belong from academia, research, and industry.The objective is to encourage the youth of the nation to become a leader in the field of S&T and position India as a global leader. The initiative is helpful to motivate students in pursuing science, technology, and research as a career. Additionally, the knowledge gained from the eminent personalities will help in shaping the future vision of India, will ensure access to technology, and the benefits of technology through collective efforts is reaped by people from every nook and corner of the society. The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) are the coordinating organisations of the event.
The Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research (NIScPR) is coordinating and facilitating the media publicity of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023. The key objective of the SMCC is to disseminate and showcase R&D breakthroughs and scientific achievements of India on various platforms of media.
IISF 2023 presents Vigyanika, the science literature festival
The India International Science Festival, IISF 2023 presents Vigyanika- science literature festival with the primary objective of showcasing India’s scientific prowess and charting a comprehensive roadmap for effective communication of S&T achievements. The event is going to be held at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) campus, Faridabad, Haryana, on 18thand 19th January, 2024. CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF), and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) are the coordinating organisations.
The planned sessions on 18th January 2024 include a scientific session on the theme “Science and Technology Public Outreach in India.” Prof B N Jagatap, Senior Professor, IIT Bombay will chair the session. The experts include Dr. Dinakar M. Salunke, Former Director, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Prof KC Bansal, Former Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR); and Prof (Dr) Uma Kumar, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi.
A panel discussion will take place on the theme “Apni Bhasha Apna Vigyan: Strengthening Sci Comm in Indian Languages.” Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Padma Shri, Chairman- Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti will chair the session. Science communicators in Hindi, Punjabi, Manipuri, Tamil, Assamese, and Malayalam will share their thoughts.
A workshop on popular science writing is also planned which will be conducted by Shri Hasan Jawaid Khan, Former chief scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and Dr HS Sudhira, a leading science communicator. A scientific session with the theme “Science Communication in India: Current Trends, Opportunities and Challenges” has been planned where selected participants will present their papers. Dr PK Joshi from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) will chair the session.
Next in line is the cultural programme with a confluence of arts and science. This will include a science drama.
The first session on Day 2 (19th January 2024) is a panel discussion on the theme “Creative Science Communication through Films, Podcasts & Social Media – Amplifying the Reach.” A drawing and quiz competition for school students is also planned.
The other panel discussion on the same day is on the theme “Challenges in Traditional Knowledge Research & Communication.” Prof Vasant Shinde, Former VC, Deccan College will chair the session. A Vigyan Kavi Sammelan is also planned which will be chaired by Dr Madhu Pant, Former Director, National Bal Bhawan.
A special session on “Science communication for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” followed by the valedictory session is planned for the evening. Internationally-acclaimed author Mr. Marc Prensky and Dr Sharmila Binti Md. Salleh, Chief Executive Officer at Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (YIM) are expected to attend the session.
Dr Paramananda Barman & Dr Monika Jaggi from CSIR-NIScPR, Dr Nitin Maurya & Rahul Prakash from NIF and Dr Madhav Govind & Dr Neel Sarovar Bhavesh from Vibha are the coordinators of Vigyanika 2023.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024
The awards shall be given in following four categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR): Maximum of three awards to be bestowed to recognize life time achievements & contributions made in given field of Science and Technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS): Maximum of 25 awards to be given to recognize the distinguished contributions in given field of Science and Technology.
- Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award: Maximum of 25 awards to be given to recognize and encourage young scientists who made an exceptional contribution in given field of Science and Technology.
- Vigyan Team (VT) award: Maximum of three awards may be awarded to a team comprising of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in given field of Science and Technology.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar shall be given in the following 13 domains, namely: Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
The nominations for this bouquet of awards are invited on Award Portal of Ministry of Home Affairs (https://awards.gov.in/) from 14th January 2024 to 28th February 2024. The general guidelines and RVP details are available on the awards portal. The awards this year are being coordinated by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
15. Environment
Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas
n view of sudden deterioration of air quality of Delhi-NCR from last evening, the Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) called on an emergency meeting today morning. The Sub-Committee while comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/IITM during the meeting observed that overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi has witnessed a spurt due to unfavourable climatic conditions like very low wind speed, rise in the moisture levels, low mixing heights and local pollution sources including large scale open burning in last about 24 hours and at 10AM and 11AM on date, the average AQI for Delhi stood at 458 and 457 respectively. The Sub-Committee however further deliberated that the spike in Delhi’s average AQI (> 450) may not last for long as per the forecast made by IMD/ IITM and is expected to largely remain in the ‘Severe’ category (401-450) for few days, owing to the continuing unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions.
Keeping in view the prevailing trend of air quality, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to re-invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of revised GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI ranging between 401-450), today with immediate effect in the entire NCR. This is in addition to preventive/ restrictive actions under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP already in force in NCR. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have also been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage-III of GRAP in addition to actions under Stage-I and Stage-II of GRAP during this period.
An 8-point action plan as per Stage-III of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from today in the entire NCR. This 8-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC. These steps are:
1. Further intensify the frequency of mechanised/ vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
2. Ensure daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours, on roads and right of ways including hotspots, heavy traffic corridors and ensure proper disposal of the collected dust in designated sites/ landfills.
3. Further intensify public transport services. Introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
4. Construction & Demolition activities:
(i) Enforce strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR, except for the following categories of projects:
a. Projects for Railway services / Railway stations
b. Projects for Metro Rail Services and stations
c. Airports and Inter State Bus Terminals
d. National security/ defence related activities/ projects of national importance;
e. Hospitals/ health care facilities
f. Linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, over bridges, power transmission/distribution, pipelines etc.
g. Sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects etc.;
h. Ancillary activities, specific to and supplementing the above noted categories of projects.
Note: The above exemptions shall be further subject to strict compliance of the C&D Waste Management Rules, dust prevention/ control norms including compliance with the directions of the Commission issued from time to time in this regard.
(ii) Other than the projects exempted under (i) above, dust generating/ air pollution causing C&D activities to be strictly banned during this period shall include:
• Earthwork for excavation and filling including boring & drilling works.
• All structural construction works including fabrication and welding operations.
• Demolition works.
• Loading & unloading of construction materials anywhere within or outside the project sites.
• Transfer of raw materials either manually or through conveyor belts, including fly ash.
• Movement of vehicles on unpaved roads.
• Operation of batching plant.
• Laying of sewer line, waterline, drainage work and electric cabling by open trench system.
• Cutting and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials.
• Grinding activities.
• Piling work.
• Water Proofing work.
• Painting, Polishing and varnishing works etc.
• Road construction/ repair works including paving of sidewalks / pathways and central verges etc.
(iii) For all construction projects in NCR, nonpolluting / non-dust generating activities such as plumbing works, electrical works, carpentry related works and interior furnishing / finishing / decoration works (excluding painting, polishing and varnishing works etc.) shall be permitted to be continued.
5. Close down operations of stone crushers
6. Close down all mining and associated activities in NCR.
7. NCR State Govts. / GNCTD to impose strict restrictions on plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
8. State Govts. in NCR and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conducting classes in an online mode.
Further, CAQM appeals to the citizens of NCR to cooperate in effective implementation of GRAP measures aimed towards sustaining and improving the overall air quality in the region and follow the steps mentioned in the Citizen Charter under GRAP. Citizens are advised to:
• Walk or use cycles for small distances.
• Choose a cleaner commute. Share a ride to work or use public transport.
• People, whose positions allow working from home, may work from home.
• Do not use coal and wood for heating purpose.
• Individual house owners may provide electric heaters (during winters) to security staff to avoid open burning.
• Combine errands and reduce trips.
16. Security
17. Disaster Management